In the
centre, near the tent-pole, stood two men, who, when I was seated on
a large stone, walked slowly round, and one began dancing in the
usual manner, to the favourite tune of 'Amna aya.' The second
person, as I soon found, was the dancer's assistant; and, when the
principal had pretty well exhausted himself, he walked gravely up
to him, and, taking his head between his hands, performed a ceremony
called _K=o=on~ik_, which is rubbing noses, to the great
amusement and amid the plaudits of the whole company. After this, as
if much refreshed, he resumed his performance, occasionally,
however, taking a koonik to enliven himself and the spectators. The
rub-_bee_, if I may be excused the expression, was at length brought
forward and put in the place of the first dancer, who rushed out of
the tent to cool himself. In this manner five or six couples
exhibited alternately, obtaining more or less applause, according to
the oddity of their grimaces. At length a witty fellow, in
consequence of some whispering and tittering among the ladies,
advanced and gave me the koonik, which challenge I Was obliged to
answer by standing up to dance, and my nose was in its turn most
severely rubbed, to the great delight of all present.
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